# Smart TV Remote Universal vs Universal Remote

The clearest difference is rating: Universal Remote at 4.5 against Smart TV Remote Universal's 3.8. Universal Remote also leads on review sentiment (57% vs 18%) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Smart TV Remote Universal sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Universal Remote sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Universal Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 891 and 313 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 18% of Smart TV Remote Universal's written reviews are positive against 57% of Universal Remote's.

Smart TV Remote Universal ships an update every 6 weeks, Universal Remote fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart TV Remote Universal | Universal Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (891 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-universal/id1494893176/reviews) | **[4.5 (313 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-control/id6501984262/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **891** | 313 |
| Positive reviews | 17.6% of reviews | **57.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 32 MB | 132 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jenni Parkkonen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1494893175) | [Controlla TV LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1720330108) |

## What reviewers say

### Smart TV Remote Universal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-universal/id1494893176)

Transform your iOS device into a universal TV remote. Control multiple brands like Samsung, LG, and Roku seamlessly over WiFi. Manage power, volume, channels, and more without the clutter of physical remotes.

**Highlights:** Universal remote control, Supports major TV brands, WiFi connectivity, Power, volume, and channel control, Ad-free premium option, Multiple subscription plans

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| Annual Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium Version | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime premium | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Great remote app
- 💖 Love this remote
- 👍 Works well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Doesn't work
- 📺 Won't connect to TV
- 🙄 Too many ads
- 💩 Terrible app
- 🤬 Waste of time

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on device scan
- Volume controls not working
- Navigation issues

**Requested features**

- Support for more TV brands
- Improve device detection
- Reduce ads


### Universal Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-control/id6501984262)

Transform your smartphone into a universal remote for any TV. Easily stream content, adjust volume, and navigate menus with a user-friendly interface. Connect via Wi-Fi for seamless control of smart TVs and access to popular streaming services.

**Highlights:** Control any TV via Wi-Fi, Stream Netflix, Prime, YouTube, Adjust volume and channels, Navigate smart TV menus, No infrared required, Auto-connect to TV, Connect to multiple TVs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Week Plan | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Week Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Year Plan | $34.99 | per year |
| New Year Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| LifeTime Plan | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smart TV Remote Universal free?

Smart TV Remote Universal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Universal Remote free?

Universal Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Smart TV Remote Universal or Universal Remote?

Universal Remote is rated higher. Smart TV Remote Universal averages 3.8 out of 5 from 891 ratings, while Universal Remote averages 4.5 from 313 ratings.

### Do Smart TV Remote Universal or Universal Remote have ads?

Smart TV Remote Universal shows ads; Universal Remote does not.

### Which is updated more often, Smart TV Remote Universal or Universal Remote?

Smart TV Remote Universal ships an update every 6 weeks, and Universal Remote fortnightly. Most recently, Smart TV Remote Universal was updated on October 17, 2026 and Universal Remote on October 20, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*